Engine-driven air compressor/generator load priority control system and method

ABSTRACT

A system, in one embodiment, may include a portable unit having an engine, a generator coupled to the engine, a compressor coupled to the engine, and a priority load controller. The controller may be configured to adjust various loads on the engine, the generator, or the compressor, or a combination thereof, in response to a priority control scheme. A computer-implemented method, in another embodiment, may include adjusting power output to various loads on an engine, a welding generator coupled to the engine, or an air compressor coupled to the engine, or a combination thereof, in a portable welding unit in response to a priority control scheme.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/742,399, entitled “Engine-Driven Air Compressor/Generator LoadPriority Control System and Method”, filed Apr. 30, 2007, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to welding systems and more particularlyto welding systems utilizing an engine coupled to an air compressor, awelding generator, and possibly other loads.

Welding systems generally use an electrical current (e.g., weldingcurrent) to perform welding. The electrical current may be provided byan electrical power source (such as a power grid or battery) or anelectrical generator coupled to a mechanical power source. Examples ofmechanical power sources include engines that output power via arotating drive shaft. Typically, the drive shaft is coupled to otherdevices that consume the energy provided by the rotating drive. Forinstance, welding systems often include internal combustion engines(such as gas or diesel engines) and an alternator or generatorconfigured to convert the mechanical energy generated by the engine intoelectrical energy (e.g., electrical current). These systems are oftenreferred to as engine-driven welding generators. An advantage of anengine-driven system is the potential portability of the system. Forinstance, welding systems that employ a generator coupled to an engineare typically configured as standalone units that do not haveconnections to a supplemental power source, such as a power grid. Thismay be useful for systems that are traditionally operated at remoteworksites.

In addition to needing a source of welding current at a worksite,welding operators often desire other outputs to more efficientlycomplete a job. For example, a welding operator may desire to have analternating current (AC) power output to power other electrical devicesand tools, or desire to have compressed air to operate plasma cutters,air tools, and the like. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a weldingsystem that includes additional devices, such as additional powergenerators, configured to provide the desired outputs. However, addingmultiple devices to a welding system creates additional concerns. Forinstance, an engine may produce a limited amount of power and, thus, thepower desired to operate the multiple devices may exceed that amount ofpower that the engine can efficiently supply. As a result, the loadingof the engine may cause an overload condition, resulting in a decreasein system performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A system, in one embodiment, may include a portable unit having anengine, a generator coupled to the engine, a compressor coupled to theengine, and a priority load controller. The controller may be configuredto adjust various loads on the engine, the generator, or the compressor,or a combination thereof, in response to a priority control scheme. Acomputer-implemented method, in another embodiment, may includeadjusting power output to various loads on an engine, a weldinggenerator coupled to the engine, or an air compressor coupled to theengine, or a combination thereof, in a portable welding unit in responseto a priority control scheme.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary engine-drivenwelding generator/compressor system, wherein two top access panels arerotated to open positions and a side access panel is removed to revealvarious internal features in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is another partial perspective view of the weldinggenerator/compressor system as illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein an entiretop access panel assembly is removed to further illustrate variousinternal features in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the welding generator/compressor system asillustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the two top access panels are rotated toclosed positions and the side access panel is removed to furtherillustrate various internal features in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the welding systemas illustrated in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating theengine driven welding generator/compressor system as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3; and

FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a priority scheme implementedwithin the method as illustrated in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an engine-drivenwelding generator/compressor system 10 having an engine 12 drivinglycoupled to a welding generator 14 and an air compressor 16 in a singleenclosure 18 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presenttechnique. FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the system 10 withside access panels removed and top access panels or hatches rotated toopen positions. FIG. 2 is another partial perspective view of the system10 as illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the entire top access panelassembly is removed to provide a better view of the internal features ofthe system 10. FIG. 3 is a side view of the system 10 as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. As depicted, the system 10 is configured to providemultiple outputs, including welding current, alternating current (AC)power, and compressed air.

As discussed in detail below, the illustrated system includes a varietyof features to improve serviceability, reliability, controllability, andintegration of the air compressor 16 within the single enclosure 18 ofthe system 10. For example, the illustrated system 10 may include a topside oil fill to enable access at the top of the system 10, rather thana lower or more inaccessible oil fill location. The illustrated system10 also may include unique control features, such as a load prioritycontrol configured to monitor various loads (e.g., generator 14,compressor 16, external loads, etc.) on the engine 12, identify possibleoverload conditions, and adjust the various loads based on prioritylevels. The control features also may include a specific air compressorload control, which may be configured to reduce the engine speed and/orgradually engage (e.g., via a clutch) the air compressor 16 during startup (e.g., a soft start control). Furthermore, the control features mayinclude a specific air compressor control regulator, which may bemounted directly on a control panel (e.g., a front panel) of the system10 rather than being in an inaccessible position well within the system10. The system 10 also may include a battery and/or a battery chargesystem, which may include features to monitor conditions of the battery(e.g., internal or external to the system 10) and to adjust thecharacteristics of the charge (e.g., variable output level, duration,etc.).

As discussed in greater detail below, some embodiments of the system 10include a priority control configured to regulate which devices of thesystem 10 consume power from the engine 12 and/or generator 14. Thepriority control provides outputs configured to regulate the powerconsumed by each of the devices. For instance, in certain embodiments,the priority control may transmit a signal to an electronic clutch,relay, or other controlling device, wherein the signal is configured toregulate the amount of power consumed by each respective device. In anembodiment, the priority control includes an input and/or output tomonitor and/or control the operation of the engine 12, the generator 14,the compressor 16, additional devices or loads, or a combinationthereof. In further embodiments, the priority control includes a methodof control configured to increase, reduce or eliminate the powerconsumption of the devices based on a priority scheme. The priority ofeach device may be determined by referring to a predetermined schemestored in a memory or a user dictated priority scheme, for example.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 may be described as an air packwelding system (e.g., AIRPAK). The engine 12 provides output power(e.g., a mechanical output) to drive both the welding generator 14 andthe air compressor 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the generator 14is coupled to one side of the engine 12, while the compressor 16 isindependently coupled to an opposite side of the engine 12. Thus, theengine 12 is sandwiched between the generator 14 and the compressor 16.In addition, the engine 12 may be mounted independently from thecompressor 16, such that the two are mechanically isolated from oneanother. As discussed in further detail below, the isolation between thecompressor 16 and the engine 12 may be addressed with a suitableengine-to-compressor coupling system, such as a geometrically adjustablecoupling. The geometrically adjustable coupling may include a tensioningsystem coupled to a belt and pulley system, a special resilient orspring-like belt, a clutch, or a combination thereof, to provide somedegree of flexibility, positional adjustability, or play. Thus, thegeometrically adjustable coupling is configured to maintain a connectionbetween the compressor 16 and the engine 12 despite variations indistance, vibrations, and so forth. In other words, the geometricallyadjustable coupling provides a resilient or distance adjustableconnection between the engine 12 and the compressor 16.

As described below, the power from the engine 12 operates both thegenerator 14 and the air compressor 16 via a first shaft 20 and a secondshaft 22 (e.g., stub shaft), respectively. In some embodiments, theseshafts 20 and 22 may be independent from one another, while in otherembodiments shafts 20 and 22 may be part of a single shaft extendingthrough the engine 12. As illustrated, the shafts 20 and 22 extend outof opposite sides of the engine 12. These shafts 20 and 22 may bedirectly or indirectly coupled to one or more driven mechanisms. Forexample, an indirect coupling may include a belt and pulley system, agear system, or a chain and sprocket system. In the present embodiment,the first shaft 20 couples directly to the generator 14, while thesecond stub shaft 22 couples indirectly to the compressor 16. However,either arrangement can be used for the connection between the engine 12and the generator 14 and/or the compressor 16.

For example, as will be discusses in greater detail below, the engine 12is coupled to the compressor 16 via a belt and pulley system includingthe stub shaft 22, a pulley 24 coupled to the shaft 22, a compressordrive shaft 26 coupled to the compressor 16, a compressor pulley 28coupled to the shaft 26, and a drive belt 30 extending about the pulleys24 and 28. Therefore, the engine 12 is capable of providing power to thegenerator 14 and the air compressor 16 simultaneously. In theillustrated embodiment, the engine 12 rotates the stub shaft 22 totransmit rotation and torque via the pulleys 24 and 28 and drive belt 30to the compressor drive shaft 26 coupled to the air compressor 16.Accordingly, the mechanical energy generated by the engine 12 operatesthe air compressor 16. As discussed in detail below, in certainembodiments, the air compressor 16 includes a rotary screw compressor.Thus, the air compressor 16 and the system 10 may be capable ofcontinuously providing large volumes of compressed air 16 to a desiredapplication, such as a welding application, without any need for anintermediate storage tank.

The engine 12 includes a power source configured to provide power to thegenerator 14 and the air compressor 16. In an embodiment, the engine 12may include a combustion engine powered by gas, diesel, LP fuel, naturalgas, or other fuel, and driving one or more drive shafts, e.g., 20 and22. For example, the engine 12 may include an industrial gas/dieselengine configured to output anywhere from about 24 horsepower (Hp) toabout 64 Hp. Generally, the weight of such an engine 12 may vary withthe size and Hp rating of the engine. For example, a 64 Hp diesel enginedriven unit may weigh approximately 1900 lbs., whereas a similar 24 Hpgasoline engine driven unit may weigh less than approximately 1000 lbs.Thus, the portable system 10 may benefit from the use of a smallerengine 12.

As discussed previously, embodiments may include a generator 14 coupledto the engine 12. Thus, the generator 14 may convert the power output(e.g., mechanical energy) of the engine 12 to electrical power.Generally, the generator 14 includes a device configured to convert arotating magnetic field into an electrical current (e.g., AC generator).The generator 14 includes a rotor (rotating portion of the generator)and a stator (the stationary portion of the generator). For example, therotor of the generator 14 may include the rotating drive shaft 20disposed in a single stator configured to create an electrical current(e.g., welding current) from the rotation of the magnetic field. In anembodiment, the generator may include a four-pole rotor and three-phaseweld output configured to provide beneficial welding characteristics.Further, the generator 14 may include a plurality of independent windingsections in the rotors and/or stators, such that the generator 14 isconfigured to output multiple electrical outputs having differentcharacteristics. For example, the generator 14 may include a firstsection configured to drive a welding current to a welder and a secondsection configured to drive a current for other AC outputs. As suggestedabove, multiple generators 14 may be connected to the drive shaft 20 orstub shaft 22.

Also coupled to the engine 12, the air compressor 16 may provide acontinuous source of compressed air for use in plasma cutting, pneumatictools, inflating a tire, blowing-off/cleaning a work piece, and thelike. For example, a welding operator may use compressed air as a highspeed gas ejected from the nozzle of a plasma torch, or may usecompressed air to operate tools, such as pneumatic impact wrenches,pneumatic spray guns, pneumatic lifts, and pneumatic air chisels. In theillustrated embodiment, the air compressor 16 may be described as acontinuous air supply compressor, an indirect mount air compressor, orboth. For example, certain embodiments of the system 10 use a type ofthe compressor 16 that is not a piston-type air compressor mounteddirectly to the engine 12. In an embodiment, the air compressor 16 mayinclude a rotary screw compressor or another suitable compressor 16configured to supply a continuous flow of compressed air without theneed for an intermediate storage tank.

Rotary screw compressors may include a type of gas compressor that has arotary type positive displacement mechanism. The rotary screw compressortypically includes one or more screws, which rotate within an enclosureto gradually shrink a series of passages defined by threads of thescrews and the surrounding enclosure. For example, the rotary screwcompressor may include a plurality (e.g., pair) of counter rotatingscrews, which intermesh with one another to progressively reduce airvolumes between the intermeshed threads (e.g., a series of shrinkingvolumes of air). For example, air is drawn in through an inlet port inthe enclosure, the gas is captured in a cavity, the gas is compressed asthe cavity reduces in volume, and the gas is finally discharged throughanother port in the enclosure. The design of a rotary screw aircompressor 16 generally provides for high volumes of compressed gas in acontinuous manner without the need for an intermediate storage tank.

Accordingly, the rotary screw air compressor 16 may provide a directsupply of compressed air on-demand to a desired application. Forexample, a plasma cutter may consume air directly from the unit withoutthe air being compressed into a tank, as generally done by piston-drivenair compressors. However, an embodiment including a rotary screw aircompressor 16 may include an air tank configured to store the compressedair. For example, a user may want to generate air for a given period andstore the compressed air for a later use.

Further, the rotary screw air compressor 16 may be configured to operateat high speeds and, thus, may use less gearing and space to couple therotary screw air compressor 16 to the engine 12. For example, in anembodiment, the system 10 may include a rotary screw air compressor 16operating at speed near the engine speed, such as 4000 rpm. Thus, thepulley 24 and the compressor pulley 18 may include similar 1 to 1 ratiosand not use a significantly larger compressor pulley 28 to step down theengine speed to accommodate the air compressor 16.

The system 10 may also have an oil fill assembly 31 that enables a userto perform regular maintenance on the air compressor 16. For example, asdepicted, the oil fill assembly 31 may include a configuration toprovide improved access to components of the air compressor 16 that mayotherwise be obscured by other devices within the system 10. Accordinglya user may easily check and add fluids to the air compressor 16. Forexample, the oil fill assembly 31 may be described as an extension,add-on, or retrofit system configured to relocate the oil fill locationfrom well within the system 10 to a top access location.

The system 10 may also include control circuitry to coordinate functionsof a plurality of devices. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, thesystem 10 includes control circuitry 32 in the vicinity of a controlpanel 34. In an embodiment, the control circuitry 32 may include aprocessor, memory, and software code configured to control and orcoordinate operation of the system 10. For example, the controlcircuitry 32 may monitor and control the speed and load on the engine12, the electrical output and loads on the generator 14, the air outputand loads on the compressor 16, the startup procedures (e.g., soft startof compressor 16), and/or the like. For example, as mentioned above, thecontrol circuitry 32 may identify an overload condition in response tosensed data, and then reduce the output to protect the system 10. Thecontrol circuitry 32 also may reduce the engine speed, graduallyincrease the engine speed, and/or gradually engage a clutch during startup of the compressor 16. The control circuitry 32 also may automaticallyadjust the outputs (e.g., compressed air output or electrical output)based on default or user defined priority levels, minimum workout outputlevels, maximum output levels, safety features, and so forth. Thecontrol circuitry 32 also may adjust output levels (e.g., compressed airoutput or electrical output) based on a particular application, sensedfeedback, and other closed-loop controls. For example, the controlcircuitry 32 may gradually decrease an electrical output for a batterycharging procedure based on sensed feedback from the battery, therebymaximizing the charge without overcharging the battery.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the enclosure 18 includes a common base orframe 36 with various access panels to enable servicing, repair, and soforth. For example, a pair of side access panels (removed) is configuredto attach to opposite sides of the frame 36. A top 37 of the enclosure18 includes first and second access panels or hatches 38 and 39, whichare both rotatable between open and closed positions above thecomponents of the system 10. As illustrated, the first hatch 38 canrotate open to enable access to the compressor 16, the oil fill assembly31, and other features. The second hatch 39 can rotate open to enableaccess to the engine 12 and other features.

As depicted, the control panel 34 is coupled to an end of the enclosure18 near the generator 14. The control panel 34 may include variouscontrol inputs, indicators, displays, electrical outputs, air outputs,and so forth. In an embodiment, a user input 40 may include a knob orbutton configured for a mode of operation, an output level or type, etc.For instance, the user input 40 may include a dial to select a mode ofoperation, such as a DC weld, an AC weld, a battery charge, or an airtool operation. The control panel 34 may also include various indicators42 to provide feedback to the user. For example, the indicator 42 mayinclude an LCD, LED, or Vacuum Florescent display to display voltage,amperage, air pressure, and the like. Embodiments of the control panel34 include any number inputs and outputs, such as welding methods, aircompressor settings, oil pressure, oil temperature, and system power.Further, the user inputs 40 and indicators 42 may be electricallycoupled to the control circuitry 32 and enable a user to set and monitorvarious parameters within the control circuitry 32 and other devices ofthe system 10.

The illustrated system 10 also includes various external connections 44.The external connections 44 may include various outlets and couplersconfigured to provide access to the electrical power and the compressedair generated by the system 10. For example, the illustrated externalconnections 44 include an AC power output 46, a DC power output 48, anda compressed air output 50. In an embodiment these outputs 46, 48 and 50are coupled to various devices and tools. For example, the AC poweroutput 46 or the DC power output 48 can be coupled to various weldingand cutting tools 52. As depicted, the welding/cutting tools 52 includeda torch 54 coupled to the external connection 44 via a supply conduit56. For instance, the welding devices may receive current from thegenerator 14 via the external connections 44. In such an embodiment, thetorch 54 may be used to weld or cut a work piece 58 coupled to theexternal connections 44 via a work clamp 60 and a cable 62. As will beappreciated, the torch 54 may include various welding devices, such as aTIG (tungsten inert gas) torch, a MIG (metal inert gas) gun, or a plasmacutting torch. Similarly, the system 10 may provide compressed air fromthe air compressor 16 via the compressed air output 50. For example anair tool 64 may be coupled to the compressed air output 50 via an airhose 66. The air hose 66 may exit the system 10 at various otherlocations; including the back of the system 10 proximate to the aircompressor 16. The air tool 64 may include various pneumatic tools andthe like. In another embodiment, a plasma cutting torch 54 may receivepower from an external unit (e.g., wall outlet AC power) while receivingcompressed air from the air compressor 16 of the system 10.

As discussed previously, the system 10 may include multiple devicesworking in cooperation to generate welding power, AC power, compressedair, and the like, to a welding torch, a cutting torch, an electricaltool, a pneumatic tool, and so forth. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, a single engine 12 is coupled to the generator 14 and theair compressor 16. Generally, the operation of each device may becontrolled by a manual switch controlled by an operator. For example,the operator may turn on the air compressor 16 which, in turn, enablesthe air compressor 16 to draw power from the engine 12. As will beappreciated, the loading of devices, such as the air compressor 16, maybe substantial depending on the specific requirements of each device. Arotary screw air compressor may draw a significant amount of power tomaintain a minimum air pressure and oil pressure, for instance. As moredevices are added to the system 10, the power demanded by the devicesmay exceed the power (e.g., electrical, mechanical, pneumatic) producedby the engine 12, the generator, 14, the compressor 16, or a combinationthereof For example, the engine 12 may be overloaded and unable tooperate all of the devices simultaneously. Thus, the power output toeach device may be reduced in proportion to the limited power, and theavailable power distributed between all of the devices consuming powerfrom the engine 12. Unfortunately, certain devices may not functionproperly when operating from the reduced power level. A solution mayinclude a system 10 incorporating a larger and more powerful engine 12capable of providing increased amounts of power. However, as mentionedpreviously, as engine size increases, the weight and cost of the engine12 may also increase. Thus, an embodiment of the present system 10 mayinclude a smaller engine 12 with a reduced power output to increaseportability and reduce cost. Accordingly, certain priority controlfeatures of the system 10 monitor and control distribution of power tothe various devices based on priority levels, available power, andoperational conditions. Further, it may be desirable to increase theefficiency of the system 10 by reducing the power generated by theengine 12 when the available power exceeds the demand. The followingdiscussion presents a control system and method configured to monitoroperations of the system 10 and distribute power based on a priorityscheme.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the system 10, including theengine 12, the generator 14, the air compressor 16, and a prioritycontrol 78. In this configuration, the priority control 78 regulatesengine speed 12 via a governor 80 and controls the distribution of powerto the devices via power regulators 82. As is discussed in detail below,with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the priority control 78 may implement apriority scheme to coordinate operation of the governor 80 and the powerregulators 82 based on various inputs and parameters.

The governor 80 is generally configured to regulate the speed of theengine, e.g., revolutions per minute (rpm), based on a desired level. Inan embodiment, the governor 80 may include an electronic governor 80configured to control the engine 12 based on the input control signalsand monitored engine parameters. For example, the governor 80 mayreceive a control signal commanding a given speed and the governor 80may then generate an output signal to control the throttle of the engine12. The output may include an electrical control of the engine 12 or mayinclude mechanical actuation of the engine throttle.

The control signal may be generated by an external source, such as thepriority control 78. In such an embodiment, the control signal may beproduced based on a priority scheme embedded within the priority control78. For example, the priority control 78 may monitor the operating speedand command the governor 80 to increase or decrease the engine speedaccordingly. In other embodiments, the governor 80 may include anonboard control loop (such as a proportional-integral-derivativecontroller (PID controller)) that regulates the output to the engine 12.Thus, the governor 80 can independently regulate the engine 12 to meetthe parameters requested by the control signal. In other words, thegovernor 80 may receive a signal requesting a given speed and implementits own routine to regulate the engine 80 to the desired speed. Thegovernor 80 may include any mechanism configured to receive a controlsignal and regulate the engine 12 based on the signal.

The governor 80 may be mounted to the system 10 in variousconfigurations that enable the governor 80 to regulate the engine 12. Inan embodiment, the governor 80 may be mechanically coupled to the engine12. Mechanically coupling the governor to the engine 12 enables thegovernor 80 to manipulate components of the engine 12, including acarburetor throttle shaft, and the like. Mechanically coupling thegovernor may include providing an engine 12 with a governor 80 builtinto the engine 12, directly attaching a governor to the body of theengine 12, or providing the governor 80 as a separate component with alinkage to the engine 12. Other embodiments may include electricallycoupling the governor 80 to a control circuit located within the engine12.

The power regulator 82 may be configured to control the amount of powerconsumed by a device. For instance, the power regulator 82 may include adevice configured to reduce the power transmitted to a device and/or mayinclude a device configured to reduce the amount of power consumed bythe device. The regulator 82 may include clutches, switches, closed loopregulators on the rotor, a transmission, fluid flow driven controls onthe compressor, or other accessories configured to enable, disable, orcontrol the transfer of mechanical power from the engine 12 to a device.For example, in an embodiment including the air compressor 16 and/oranother device 83 driven by the rotation of the shaft 22, the powerregulator 82 may include a clutch that enables or disables the transferof torque to the air compressor 16 and/or the device 83. Again, thecompressor 16 may be a rotary screw compressor, while the device 83 maybe a supplemental air compressor, liquid pump, generator, alternator,cooling system, and so forth. An embodiment of the clutch may includetwo electromagnetic plates that are complementary to one another. Insuch an arrangement, the clutch may enable or disable the transfer oftorque to the air compressor 16 in response to a control signal. Forexample, if the power regulator 82 including a clutch receives a signalto engage, the electromagnetic plates may be energized to draw the twoplates together and create friction. Energizing the plates may include adigital input configured to fully engage or disengage the clutch or ananalog input configured to provide a proportional friction and, thus, aproportional transfer of torque. In an embodiment, the signal configuredto operate the power regulator 82 may be generated by the prioritycontrol 78.

Further, the location of the power regulator 82 may be varied toaccommodate any number of applications. As depicted, the power regulator82 is located in-line with the compressor drive shaft 26. Similarly, thepower regulator 82 may be located in-line with the shaft 22 and beconfigured to enable or disable the transfer of torque to the pulley 24and, thus, the torque provided to the air compressor 16. An embodimentmay include the power regulator 82 that includes a clutch built into apulley. For example, the pulley 24 or the compressor pulley 28 mayinclude a clutch pulley configured to transfer torque via engagement inresponse to the control signal. Further, the power regulator 82 mayinclude a belt tensioning mechanism configured to increase or decreasethe tension of the drive belt 30 based on the control signal.Accordingly, the control signal may be configured to enable the powerregulator 82 to provide a tension in the drive belt 30 to enable thetransfer of torque. Although embodiments of the power regulator 82including a clutch have been described with reference to the aircompressor 16, a similar clutch configuration may be implemented withany devices relying on a similar transfer of mechanical power foroperation. In some embodiments, the same clutch, pulley, and beltconfiguration may be used to couple the engine 12 with the generator 14.

The power regulator 82 may also include other devices configured toregulate the transfer of power from the engine 12 to a device. Incertain embodiment, the power regulator 82 may include a relay. Forexample, where the generator 14 is configured to convert the mechanicalpower from the engine 12 into an electrical output, the power regulator82 may include a relay configured to cut-off the power output.Accordingly, the reduction of the electrical load serviced by thegenerator 14 may reduce the mechanical power consumed from the engine12. Similarly, in an embodiment where multiple generators, such as awelding generator 84, an AC power generator 86, and a battery charginggenerator 88, are contained within the system 10, multiple powerregulators 82 (e.g., relays) may be coupled to each generator toregulate the output of power and, thus, the power consumed. Thegenerators 84, 86, and 88 may be separate generators or different coilsections of a single generator unit. Similarly, the power regulator 82may include other mechanisms configured to regulate the power consumedby the devices, including a mechanical switch configured to remove theelectrical demand and, thus, remove the power draw from the engine 12.

The priority control 78 may be configured to control various aspects ofoperation within the system 10, including the engine 12 and devicesconsuming power from the engine 12. In other words, the priority control78 may monitor any number of inputs, and also output various commands tocontrol the operating speed of the engine 12 via the governor 80 and thepower consumed by each device via the power regulators 82. As depictedin FIG. 4, the priority control 78 is electrically coupled to thegovernor 80 and the power regulators 82, as well as, other inputs 90.

The priority control 78 may take a variety of forms. Embodiments, of thepriority controller 78 may include discrete circuits in a mixed signalanalog design, an embedded control system, a computer with Input/Outputunits, software stored on a computer readable medium or memory, or acomplex machine. The priority control 78 may also include a memory 92configured to store data similar to the data described above. Forexample, the memory 92 may store data including engine parameters, suchas maximum engine power output, maximum oil and coolant temperatures, aswell as device parameters, including respective maximum powerconsumption and minimum power requirements. Further, the memory 92 maystore operational parameters including a priority sequence that isdiscussed in more detail with regard to FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, inan embodiment, a predetermined priority sequence may be stored in thememory 92 and accessed by the priority control 78 during operation.Thus, the priority control 78 may operate based on information storedwithin the memory 92. The memory 92 may be accessible by a user. Forinstance, a user may retrieve and write date to and from the memory 92.Thus, the user may access, overwrite, or view various data stored in thememory 92 via the control panel 34 or other communication device. In anembodiment, the user may modify various parameters, such as the maximumengine power output or the priority sequence stored in the memory 92.

The priority control 78 may be configured to transmit various parametersto the governor 80, including a speed control signal indicative of adesired engine operating speed. For example, the speed control signalmay include a set level or value representative of the desired engineoperating speed. In response to the speed control signal, the governor80 may regulate the actual operating speed of the engine 12, asdescribed previously.

Further, the priority control 78 may be configured to receive data fromthe other components of the system 10, including the engine 12, thegovernor 80, the devices, and the power regulator 82. Data may includethe maximum power available from the engine 12, engine speed, oiltemperature, coolant temperature, device operating speed, device powerconsumption, maximum device power consumption, and the like. The datamay be provided directly from the engine 12, the governor 80, thedevices, the power regulators 82, or other components of the system 10,such as the control circuitry 32. Other data may be provided via otherinputs 90. For example, the other inputs 90 may include data providedfrom surrounding monitoring devices, manual override switches, orgeneral user inputs. The data received by the priority control 78 may bestored in the memory 92 for subsequent use in processing, diagnostics,and the like.

Based on the various inputs and data stored in the memory 92, thepriority control 78 may implement a priority control scheme. Forexample, the priority control 78 may compare the maximum power output ofthe engine 12 to the power characteristics of the devices and regulatethe speed of the engine 12 and the power consumed by the devices. Thus,the priority control 78 may detect the power available from the engine12, the power consumed by each device within the system, and thepriority of each device, and then regulate the engine operating speedand the power consumed by each device to provide a more efficientdistribution of power within the system 10. For example, if the engine12 is not capable of supplying enough power to operate all of thedevices at their full potential, the priority control 78 may shut downor reduce the power consumed by a low priority device, and maintain asufficient power output to higher priority devices. Similarly, if theavailable power exceeds the power desired (or required) to operate thedevices, the priority control 78 may enable all devices to operate attheir full potential and reduce the engine operating speed such thatexcess power is minimized to increase efficiency of the system 10.Accordingly, the system 10 may prioritize loads when the available poweris limited, and operate at a more efficient engine operating speed whenthe power consumed by the devices does not exceed the capabilities ofthe engine 12.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary computer-implementedmethod to operate a welding generator/compressor system 10. The methodincludes identifying the characteristics of the engine 12 and the powerdemanded by the devices, followed by a sequence to reduce, or eliminatelower priority loads if the engine is not capable of supplying the fullpower demanded. Further, the system 10 reduces the engine operatingspeed if the engine 12 is capable of supplying power in excess relativeto the power demanded by the devices.

The system 10 may first determine the available power, as illustrated atblock 100. Determining the available power 100 may include determiningthe amount of power output by the engine 12, the generator 14, thecompressor 16, or a combination thereof, for consumption by variousdevices. For example, an engine with a 64 Hp rating may be capable ofoutputting approximately 47.7 kW of power, assuming that the entire 64Hp is transmitted as an output. The available power may also bedetermined by other methods, including measuring the actual power outputby the engine 12. For example, the available power may be calibrated atthe time of manufacture and stored in the memory 92. In anotherembodiment, the available power may be monitored by the system 10 andstored in the memory 92. For example, the priority control 78 maymonitor the operating characteristics of the engine 12 and detect areduction in engine operating speed, or other system parameters, undercertain loading conditions. Based on the response of the engine 12 tothe loads, the priority control 78 may store this value as the availablepower of the system 10. This method may prove useful to account forvariation in engine performance over the life of the engine 12.

The system 10 may also determine the demand for power, as illustrated atblock 102. Determining the demand for power may include the prioritycontrol 78 determining the maximum amount of power consumed by thedevices. For example, if the system 10 has three of five devicesconsuming power (i.e., turned on), the power demanded may include thesum of the power desired or required to operate the three devices atmaximum power. Similarly, if all five devices are consuming power, powerdemanded may include the sum of the power to operate the five devices atmaximum power. For simplicity, the system 10 may simply determine thesum of the power to operate the five devices, even if all five of thedevices are not consuming power. Examples of loads may include the loadof the air compressor 16, the generator 14, and the like.

In another embodiment, determining the demand power 102 may include thesystem 10 considering the actual demand for power. For example, thepriority control 78 may monitor each of the devices to determine thepower being consumed by each respective device during operation.Monitoring may include receiving and processing signals indicative ofthe device speed or other data indicative of the power consumed, such asthe power output by each of the devices. The priority control 78 maythen compare the sum of the power consumed by each of the devices todetermine the demand power 102. Embodiments may also include providingan additional factor to maintain an available power that is greater thanthe demand power. For example, an additional amount of power may beadded to the sum of the power consumed by the devices to ensure that thepower available is capable of supporting fluctuations in the powerdemanded by the devices.

Based on the available power and the demand power, the system 10 maythen determine if the power available is equal to or greater than thedemand power 104. In an embodiment, this may include comparing theavailable power from block 100 to the demand power of block 102. Forexample, after making the determinations in block 100 and block 102, thepriority control 78 may subtract the demand power from the availablepower to determine if a power surplus or power shortage exists.Similarly, an embodiment may combine the steps of block 100, 102 and 104into a single step that includes monitoring various parameters to detectthat the power available is equal to or greater than the demand power.For example, the priority control 78 may monitor the engine operatingspeed and detect a reduction in engine operating speed as indicativethat the engine 12 is overloaded and, thus, the power available is notequal to or greater than the demand power. Other embodiments may includemonitoring oil temperature, coolant temperature, device power output,and the like.

If the system 10 determines that the power available is not equal to orgreater than the demand power, then the system 10 may drop or reduce theleast priority load, as depicted by block 106. In an embodiment, thismay include prioritizing each load and reducing the power distributed toeach load accordingly. For example, an embodiment may includecategorizing the overload based on the amount of power demanded inexcess of the power available. Such an embodiment may include threecategories, including low overload, medium overload, and a highoverload. If the overload is low, the system 10 may reduce power to thelowest priority device or devices. If the overload is medium, the system10 may remove power from the lowest priority device or devices. If theoverload is high, the system 10 may drop power to all of the devices,except for those considered the highest priority loads.

The system 10 may drop or reduce loads 106 based on a priority sequence.For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, a priority scheme may include asequence of steps related to reducing and removing power to devices. Asdepicted, the priority of devices includes the AC generator power, thewelding generator power, the air compressor power, and battery chargerpower listed from highest priority (1) to the lowest priority (4). Basedon this determination, the priority scheme may include a sequence ofsteps taken in order. For example, at the first detection that the poweravailable is not equal to or greater than the demand power, the system10 may reduce the battery charger power at block 106. After takingaction based on the priority scheme of FIG. 6, the system 10 may returnto blocks 100, 102 and 104 to determine if a power overload stillexists. If so, the system 10 may return to block 106 and take the nextstep of the priority scheme, for instance, reducing the air compressorpower. The system 10 may continue this process until there is no longera power overload detected at block 104, or there are no additional stepsto take within the priority scheme of FIG. 6. For example, in thefourteenth iteration though block 106 of FIG. 5, subsequent to reducingAC power at step 13 of the priority scheme of FIG. 6, the system 10 maynot be able to make any additional reduction or drops of power outputs.As discussed briefly above, the priority and priority scheme of FIG. 6may be predetermined and saved into a memory 92 of the system 10 and thepriority control 78 and/or may be modified by a user.

Returning now to block 104, if the system 10 determines that the poweravailable is equal to or greater than the demand power, the system 10may continue to regulate the performance of the engine 12 and thedevices. In an embodiment, the system 10 may confirm whether all loadsare receiving full power, as depicted at block 108. Such a determinationmay be made by the priority control 78 to determine whether the system10 may continue with the same power regulatory scheme in place orwhether previously eliminated/reduced power to devices may be allowed tooperate at full power consumption.

Where available power exceeds demanded power and all loads (e.g.,devices) are receiving full power, it may be indicative of a powersurplus. Accordingly, the system 10 may consider whether the operatingspeed of the engine 12 may be reduced. For example, if the prioritycontrol 78 determines that the available power exceeds the demand powerby a sufficient amount the priority control 78 may command to reduceengine speed, as depicted at block 112. If the available power does notexceed the demand power by a sufficient amount the priority control maynot command a reduction in engine speed 12 as depicted by the return tothe beginning of the method of FIG. 5.

Retuning now to block 108, if all loads are not receiving full power,the system 10 and the priority control 78 may consider bringingincreasing power to loads that were previously reduced to a limitedpower level. As depicted at block 114, the system 10 may first considerwhether power is available to service loads not receiving full power.For example, the priority control 78 may compare the power surplus tothe additional power suitable to remove a power limitation from adevice. If it is determined that the system 10 may not service anadditional load, then the system may return to block 110 to considerwhether the engine speed may be reduced.

However, if the system 10 determines that the power surplus issufficient to service a currently limited load, the system 10 mayincrease the power supplied to the load. For example, as depicted atblock 116, the priority control 78 may consider the current engineoperating speed, and determine whether the system 10 needs an enginespeed increase, as depicted at block 116, to support the additionalload. If no engine speed increase is needed, the priority control 78 mayincrease power to the highest priority load not receiving full power, asdepicted at block 120. However, if the priority control 78 determinesthat an engine speed increase is needed, the priority control 78 maycommand an increase in engine speed, as depicted at block 118, beforeincreasing power to the highest priority load not receiving full power,as depicted at block 120.

Similar to the method at block 106, the system 10 and the prioritycontrol 78 may rely on the priority scheme of FIG. 6. For example, ifthe first four steps have been taken to reduce battery charger powertwice, reduce the compressor power once, and reduce the welding poweronce, the system 10 may reverse the previous step taken and increase thebattery charger power by the same amount it was previously reduced instep 4 of FIG. 6.

Other embodiment may include determining if power may increase in otherlocations with the presently available power. For instance if the powerreduction in step 1 is small compared to the reductions made in steps2-4, the system may increase the power that was reduced in step 1 ofFIG. 6. This may enable maximizing the power output of the engine 12without creating an overload.

Finally, the system 10 and the priority control may run the methoddescribed in FIG. 6 continuously. Accordingly, the system 10 maydynamically adjust the power output to and consumed by each device, aswell as, the operating speed of the engine 12. Thus, the system 10 mayenable maintaining the desired power to critical loads when there is apower shortage, and operate the engine 12 at more efficient engineoperating speed when there would otherwise be a power surplus generatedby the system 10.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: adjusting power output tovarious loads on an engine, a welding generator coupled to the engine,or an air compressor coupled to the engine, or a combination thereof, ina portable welding unit in response to a priority control scheme,wherein adjusting comprises monitoring the various loads, comparing atotal of the various loads with available power, and adjusting adistribution of the available power based on the priority controlscheme.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting comprisesidentifying an overload condition, classifying the overload conditionbased on the severity of the overload condition, and performing one ormore power reduction controls based on the priority control scheme, theoverload condition, and the severity of the overload condition.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein adjusting comprises identifying current poweroutput to the various loads, identifying desired output for the variousloads, identifying priority of the various loads based on the prioritycontrol scheme, and decreasing or terminating one or more of the variousloads based on the priority and a sensed overload condition.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein adjusting comprises reducing the power outputto one or more devices if demanded power exceeds the available power, orincreasing the power output to one or more devices if demanded power isless than the available power, or reducing engine speed if the availablepower exceeds demanded power.
 5. A system, comprising: a priority loadcontroller configured to adjust various loads on an engine, a weldinggenerator coupled to the engine, or an air compressor coupled to theengine, or a combination thereof, in a portable welding unit in responseto a priority control scheme, wherein the priority load controller isconfigured to output a control signal to operate a governor in responseto the priority control scheme, wherein the governor is configured toregulate speed of the engine.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein thepriority control scheme comprises a sequence of load changing stepsincluding a change in battery charger power, a change in air compressorpower, a change in welding generator power, a change in AC generatorpower, or a combination thereof
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein thepriority control scheme comprises a priority of loads including an ACgenerator power, a welding generator power, an air compressor power, abattery charger power, or a combination thereof.
 8. The system of claim5, wherein the priority control scheme comprises a sequence of loadreduction steps including a reduction in battery charger power, areduction in air compressor power, a reduction in welding generatorpower, a reduction in AC generator power, or a combination thereof. 9.The system of claim 5, wherein the priority load controller isconfigured to adjust the various loads based on feedback comprising anengine speed, an engine output, an engine temperature, an electricaloutput of the welding generator, an air output of the air compressor, ora combination thereof.
 10. The system of claim 5, wherein the priorityload controller is configured to output a control signal to operate apower limiting device in response to the priority control scheme. 11.The system of claim 10, wherein the power limiting device comprises arelay, a clutch, or a combination thereof.
 12. A system, comprising: aportable unit, comprising: an engine; a generator coupled to the engine;a compressor coupled to the engine; and a priority load controllerconfigured to adjust various loads on the engine, the generator, or thecompressor, or a combination thereof, in response to a priority controlscheme, wherein the priority load controller is configured to regulatespeed of the engine based on the priority control scheme.
 13. The systemof claim 12, comprising a control panel coupled to the generator and thecompressor, wherein the control panel comprises a welding feature and anair compressor feature.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the portableunit comprises a portable welding unit, the generator comprises awelding generator, the compressor comprises an air compressor, thecontrol panel comprises a pair of welding cable connectors.
 15. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the priority load controller is coupled to agovernor configured to regulate speed of the engine in response to thepriority control scheme.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein thepriority load controller is configured to regulate an actuatormechanically coupling a mechanical output of the engine with a devicebased on the priority control scheme.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the actuator comprises a clutch and the device comprises thecompressor.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the priority loadcontroller is configured to regulate an actuator electrically couplingan electrical output of the generator with a device based on thepriority control scheme.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein theactuator comprises a relay.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein theelectrical output comprises a welding output, a battery charging output,a DC output, an AC output, or a combination thereof.